Garry Glenn
Quick Facts
Biography
Garry Glenn (May 12, 1955 – September 27, 1991) was an American singer and songwriter perhaps best known for writing the song “Caught Up In The Rapture” recorded by Anita Baker. He also wrote “Intimate Friends” that was recorded by Eddie Kendricks and later sampled by Alicia Keys for the Grammy Award-nominated recording “Unbreakable.”
Biography
Garry Dewayne Glenn was born on May 12, 1955 in Detroit, the son of Robert and Bonnie (née Beard) Glenn. As a teenager, he toured with his sister, Gospel singer, Beverly Glenn. By the late 1970s, he turned his attention to songwriting. In the 1980s he was a frequent songwriting collaborator with Dianne Quander. His songs have been recorded by The Dramatics, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Emotions, Eddie Kendricks, Jean Carne and Anita Baker.
Selected Songwriting Credits
| Song | Co-Writer(s) | Performer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| "Armed and Dangerous" | Martin Page and Maurice White | Atlantic Starr |
| "Be Careful (How You Treat My Love)" | None | Phyllis Hyman |
| "Caught Up In The Rapture" | Dianne Quander | Anita Baker |
| "Cause I Love You" | David Pruitt | The Emotions |
| "Da Tu Amor" | Carlos Santana and Andy Vargas | Santana |
| "Do You Have To Go" | None | Garry Glenn |
| "Feels Good To Feel Good" | Dianne Quander | Garry Glenn |
| "Flame of Love" | Dianne Quander | Jean Carne |
| "Gonna Make You Mine" | None | Natalie Cole |
| "Heaven In Your Arms" | Dianne Quander | R. J.'s Latest Arrival |
| "I Can't Let You Go" | Dianne Quander | Freddie Jackson |
| "Intimate Friends" | None | Eddie Kendricks, Alicia Keys (sampled on track “Unbreakable” below), Sweet Sable (sampled on track "Old Time's Sake" below) |
| "Lost Inside Of You" | None | Al Hudson and the Soul Partners |
| "Love Of My Life" | Dianne Quander | Pieces of a Dream |
| "No Sweeter Love" | None | Geoff McBride |
| "Old Time's Sake" | Tabitha Brace, Nicole Miller and Angelica Strong | Sweet Sable |
| "Priceless" | None | Anita Baker |
| "Share Your Love" | Maurice White | Earth, Wind & Fire |
| "Song In My Heart" | Brenda Russell and Maurice White | Earth, Wind & Fire |
| "Time To Move On" | R. Kelly | Sparkle |
| "Unbreakable" | Alicia Keys, Kanye West and Harold Lilly | Alicia Keys |
| "Why Not Be Mine For Awhile" | None | Five Special |
| "Winning Streak" | None | Pieces of a Dream |
Recording artist
In 1980, Glenn recorded his eponymous album for PPL Records. Later, he joined the Motown roster, which released his second album, Feels Good To Feel Good in 1987, which was moderately successful. On the latter album, he wrote or co-wrote all of the songs (including four with Dianne Quander).
Death
Glenn died on September 27, 1991 from kidney failure.
Legacy
His songs continued to be recorded by other artists and sampled by others. His song, "Intimate Friends" (as recorded by Eddie Kendricks) was sampled on the track, "Old Time's Sake" by Sweet Sable, which appeared on the 1994 soundtrack for Above the Rim. In 2005, Alicia Keys sampled the same song on "Unbreakable." The latter recording was nominated for two Grammys and won two NAACP Image Awards. Sparkle sampled the song on the track, "Time to Move On" on her 1998 debut album.